Automatic Scooter Sales To Overtake Commuter Bikes!

The fact that scooter sales have been skyrocketing in the country recently is no big secret. Such has been demand for automatic scooters that they are contributing to the major chunk of sales for two-wheeler manufacturers now. Their unisex nature, ease of use, relatively better mileage than older scooters, and the fact that even teenagers can ride them has expanded their reach significantly. Not many years back, it was the 100-110cc commuter bikes that ruled the roost in the Indian two-wheeler space with their frugal engines, ease of maintenance and usability on both highways and city roads. 

Another aspect that works against commuter bikes is the fact that younger buyers are starting their two-wheeler journey with higher displacement bikes (read as 125cc-150cc motorcycles). But the trend has changed a lot in the last few years, as the Honda Activa now consistently displaces the Hero Splendor from the top as the highest selling two-wheeler in India. Also Read - Hero Maestro Edge vs Honda Activa 3G vs TVS Jupiter vs Yamaha Fascino vs Mahindra Gusto: 5 Scooter Comparison Review

Sharing how Honda’s automatic scooter has impacted the industry, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), said, “From its debut in 2001, Honda 2Wheelers India re-activated the automatic scooter segment. Over the years, Honda has strengthened its leadership in automatic scooter segment with its two core strengths - advance technology and innovation. In 2016-17, Activa has overtaken motorcycles to become Highest selling two-wheeler brand in India. Honda is firmly leading the next wave of scooterization which has already started in Tier-II and tier-III towns.”

Honda has been the undisputed king when it comes to the Indian automatic scooter segment and can be credited for the revival of the scooter segment in India. April 2017 was a particularly good month for Honda as it registered the scooter sales of 368,550 units (the first occasion that Honda scooter sales crossed the 3.5 lakh unit mark). The above has meant that automatic scooters now account for 35 per cent market share of the Indian two-wheeler segment while 110cc motorcycles account for 36 per cent. And if the current trend continues, it wouldn’t be surprising to see automatic scooters becoming the numero uno segment in India. Also Read - Hero Splendor iSmart 110 vs TVS Victor vs Honda Livo: Comparison Review

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Scooter sales increased by a massive 25 per cent last month while motorcycle sales remained flat. The one manufacturer who will benefit the most from the above trend is Honda as it currently has a massive 63 per cent market share of the automatic scooter segment. Another data that is really interesting is that 89 per cent of the new automatic scooters that were sold recently was from Honda!